The hard truth? Some kids are just more ready for kindergarten than others, dictated in part by their socioeconomic background and prior learning experiences. Even worse, unless we can provide the support these kids need early on, there's a risk some may never catch up.

That's where Kindergarten Readinesssteps in. It's a ready guidebook to help you equip our youngest students for formal schooling. Covering everything from involving parents to creating developmentally appropriate curriculum, this book will help you:

Understand the complexities of the transition to kindergarten

Implement a successful program of instruction and assessment appropriate for children with various abilities

Align your lessons with Common Core kindergarten standards

Assess young children's skills and abilities

Tailor your program to enrich learning for all students

Filled with authentic photos and tools for practice, this is one of the rare resources to combine the latest research with immediately useable ideas and professional development support.

"This book has the potential to change the way that early childhood teachers work with children."—Nancy Marie Borie Betler, Instructional Support SpecialistCharlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Charlotte, NC

"There are few resources on how to adequately prepare children for kindergarten and none that approaches the topic with such a depth of knowledge and research."—Diana Parker, PreK TeacherRobert Frost Elementary School, Manteno, IL

Figures, Tables, and Resources

Dedication

About the Author

Introduction

1. Conceptualizing Kindergarten Readiness: What Does It Mean to Be Ready for Kindergarten?

2. A New Framework for Kindergarten Readiness

3. What Do Young Children Need to Know and Be Able to Do to Be Ready for Kindergarten?

8. Partnering With Families - The Family's Role in Kindergarten Readiness

9. The Transition to Kindergarten: Alignment and Transition

10. Conclusion

References

"This book has the potential to change the way that preschool/daycare teachers work with children. It will allow teachers to see the correlation to how well they prepare their students for kindergarten to the success of these individuals later in school and in life."

Nancy Marie Borie Betler, Instructional Support Specialist

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Charlotte, NC

"This is one of the most clearly organized and focused books that I’ve read, and one of the few that I’ve found on this topic. I really appreciate the information on engaging parents and working with them. This is something I struggle with and the book addresses it nicely."

Shannon Acker, PreK Teacher, SPED

"The author has included numerous resources that make implementation possible and easy for the reader. This is one of the books greatest strengths! This book’s major strength is its topic and the practical nature of it. There are few resources on how to adequately prepare children for kindergarten and none that approach the topic with such a depth of knowledge and research, and well and a methodical approach that provides teachers and parents with practical ways to ensure a child’s success in kindergarten."